Round River Conservation Studies - Botswana Program
- Location(s): Field Programs in Botswana, Botswana
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Research
Round River Conservation Studies
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Round River offers students a completely field-based study abroad program in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Students camp for the entire program, conduct wildlife research and work with local people. Current Projects:Monitor herbivore populationsMonit... read more
All Reviews
The program was not always easy, but that's what made it worthwhile. We were constantly communicating, practicing teamwork, and honing field work skills. Today, my skills in cross-cultural communication and leadership are much sharper then before I left. I also think I am a much better naturalist now. A student - Western Washington University View Entire Review
I gained so much knowledge about the environment, culture, and biodiversity in this area as well as political issues along with just great advice and learning from the students-instructors with me I feel we as a group grew to learn each other so much and grow off of each other to all become better. Colin M - University of Tennessee - Chattanooga View Entire Review
All explained above! It was most certainly worthwhile. Leah I - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned so much about conservation and many of the issues Botswana and the entire world faces in human-wildlife coexistence. This was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience and I could not be more happy that I was able to participate. Ryan Doyle - University of Vermont View Entire Review
While in Mongolia, I learned a lot about the culture, conservation, and myself. I saw what real, meaningful research looked like, and I felt like we were really making a difference in the national park. I learned about the type of relationships the Mongolian people have with each other and the environment. It was very inspiring,... Lauren Dunn - Saint Michael's College View Entire Review
Yes, it gave me direction for future jobs and showed me what kind of research I'm interested in. It broadened my perspective, stretched me out of my comfort zone, taught me about Botswana's culture, and opened my eyes to a lifestyle drastically different to the common North American lifestyle. Kristie Weeks - University of Montana-Missoula View Entire Review
We learned real field work and were able to present our findings to local government officials giving us experience with science communication as well. These experiences will be incredibly valuable for me in the future. Henry Dodge - Colby College View Entire Review
I learned a variety of field biology skills, I learned how to grind and laugh through tough situations, I learned all about the wildlife of the Okavango, and I gained a whole bunch of close relationships. Ben Borgmann-Winter - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned how to live and work in the field. I gained experience and skills in the field that I have already used to work in the USA as a wildlife tech intern. I also learned what it is like to work in conservation in Africa and the trials and rewards that come along with it. Louise B - University of Alaska Fairbanks View Entire Review
I learned great research skills and also that there are stupid people everywhere. Forrest R - Northland College View Entire Review
Worthwhile to be there, but the program has a lot of kinks to work out. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned everything from this program. I learned about real conservation work, and actually got to contribute to local efforts. I am now more inspired than ever to work with conservation, animals, and or in foreign countries. I have a love for Botswana, and can't wait to return. I would recommend RRCS to anyone who want to acti... Hailey E - University of Vermont View Entire Review
It was a great experience to expose us to camping, the megafauna and what real conservation research is like. A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned so much about the community and how conservation work within this region. This program made me think about the larger implications of effect community based natural resource management and how it offers a alternative method of conservation that focuses on the economics of the region. A student - Bowdoin College View Entire Review
I gained resume builders, lessons about life, and cultural knowledge. August T - University of Montana-Missoula View Entire Review
I gained a connection to a place much different from my home, something I had never done before that made it all worthwhile. Patrick Heaton - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself and what I want to do with my life and my future career.I gained so many skills in research, field work, wildlife biology, natural history, conservation biology, environmental science, language, culture, and the list continues. I use to avoid research whenever I could and now I am not only comforta... Paige M - Westminster College, UT View Entire Review
On the program, I not only learned immense amounts about environmental research and conservation, but also about Mongolian perspectives towards land and other people. It was extremely inspiring and I've returned to the states with a perspective towards relationships that I had not previously understood. April Reisenfeld - Carleton College View Entire Review
How to work with a tight-knit field research community and the importance of teaching local people conservation practices. Most definitely worthwhile. A student - Colby College View Entire Review
Learned how complex conservation is, how to use different tools to collect and enter data Stacie wright - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Too much to want to list everything here, but I'll name a few. A newfound love for natural history and conservation biology. A brief experience in a continent and country that was incredibly remote and abstract to me. A better ability to live outdoors for weeks and weeks at a time and to tolerate long travel days in tough condit... John Potenberg - University of Montana-Missoula View Entire Review
A new cultural experience and an unbelievable knowledge about ecology, evolution, and biological interactions. The hard work put in for research and field experiences is well worth it when you can see how that work is positively influencing the local people and wildlife. Benjamin Szydlowski - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned so much about the wildlife and ecology of Botswana, and about the challenges of conservation in that part of the world. I also loved learning how to live and work in a remote setting. It was an amazing experience, and was definitely worthwhile. A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
The biggest thing I learned was how complicated conservation is. I learned how important the local community is in the creation of conservation plans, the implementation of those plans, and in the success of natural resources management. Nothing is as simple as it may seem. A student - Macalester College View Entire Review
I learned so much about conservation and about my passion for wildlife and nature. It was incredibly worthwhile to spend this time in the bush understanding natural systems and how humans interact and depend on the environment. Emma R - Colby College View Entire Review
About
Round River offers students a completely field-based study abroad program in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Students camp for the entire program, conduct wildlife research and work with local people.
Current Projects:
- Monitor herbivore populations
- Monitor rare and threatened bird species
- Camera trapping to document carnivore and nocturnal species presence/absence
Courses taught:
- Applied Conservation Biology
- Introduction to Field Methodology
- Natural History of Botswana
- Human Impacts on Ecology
- Humans and the Environment
Earn up to 15 semester credits through Westminster College of Salt Lake City.
Financial Aid:
Financial Aid:
- Round River offers a need-based scholarship, the Edward Abbey Scholarship. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
The Okavango Delta, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the world's most abundant and diverse wildlife populations. Our projects involve working closely with local people to implement a wildlife monitoring program in the Delta. Students conduct wildlife surveys, monitor rare and threatened bird species, and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing opportunities in one of Africa's most vibrant wetland and savannah ecosystems. Our unique programs give students the opportunity to contribute to local conservation, while gaining valuable field skills and earning undergraduate course credits.
Please visit our website for more information, check out our Student Blog for photos and stories from current and past programs, and get in touch with us to learn more and contact Round River alumni.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Animal Sciences
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- African Studies
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
Minimum GPA:
2.5Year Founded:
2012Website
N/AStatistics
Round River Conservation Studies Scholarships
Round River offers scholarships to students through our Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund. Edward Abbey was a friend to many and an inspiration to all associated with Round River. Ed’s family has graciously agreed that we may use his name in this manner. We are committed to involving dedicated and qualified students in our conservation projects and we will work with you to facilitate your application and financial needs. Financial assistance to qualified students from Round River is available from the Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund.
$500-$5,000
Deadlines:
Students should submit an application for the Edward Abbey Scholarship within 3 weeks of paying their deposit to be considered.
Guidelines/Requirements:
Scholarship applications will not be considered unless a student has applied for a Round River program and has all application materials in. Special arrangements may be made for extended scholarship application deadlines, only if a student has contacted Round River well in advance of the deadline.
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